St. John's wort is a medicinal plant, also known as St. John's wort, Milfurada, Ibitipoca or Hyperérico-real, widely used as a home remedy to combat depression, eliminate roundworms or relieve respiratory problems, for example.
The scientific name of Hipericão is Hypericum perforatum and this plant can be purchased, in its natural form or in tincture form, in natural products stores and handling pharmacies, as well as in some street markets and supermarkets.
What is it for
St. John's Wort has calming, antidiarrheal, antiseptic, astringent, deworming, antimicrobial and sedative properties and can therefore be used to treat:
- Depression; Roundworms; Bronchitis; Asthma; Gallbladder problems; Gastritis; Diarrhea; Hemorrhoids; Gout; Muscle pains; Rheumatism; Erythema; Wounds.
In addition, it can be used to combat stress, anxiety and depression due to its soothing property.
St. John's wort tea
St. John's wort tea can be made to combat the effects of stress and anxiety, for example. To do this, just put two teaspoons of St. John's wort in 500 ml of boiling water and let it stand for 5 minutes. Then, strain and drink two cups a day after meals.
In addition to St. John's wort tea, it is possible to make a plaster to treat rheumatism and muscle pain, in which a clean cloth is dipped in warm St. John's wort tea and applied over the affected region.
Side effects of St. John's wort
Side effects of St. John's wort include sensitivity to sunlight, tiredness, headaches, allergic reactions, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea when used in excess.
In addition to the side effects, the use of St. John's wort is contraindicated for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding and people who are being treated with anticoagulants or antiretrovirals for HIV, as this plant can have negative effects on this treatment.
